KABUL (Pajhwok): Marking World Hepatitis Day, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) says more than 27,800 positive cases of hepatitis B and C have been recorded across Afghanistan since the beginning of 2026, warning that the return of migrants and low public awareness are increasing the risk of the disease spreading.
World Hepatitis Day is observed annually on 28 July to raise awareness about hepatitis, promote prevention and encourage early diagnosis and treatment.
Speaking at an event in Kabul on Tuesday, Deputy Public Health Minister for Healthcare Services Mawlawi Abdul Wali Haqqani said the occasion provided an important opportunity to raise public awareness and strengthen hepatitis prevention programmes.
He said that although the prevalence of hepatitis in Afghanistan was lower than in some countries in the region, the return of migrants, economic hardship, the shared use of syringes, some substandard surgical services and limited public awareness continued to increase the risk of the disease spreading.
He noted that many hepatitis infections and related complications could be prevented through vaccination, early diagnosis and timely treatment, adding that hepatitis diagnostic centres were operating across the country.
According to MoPH figures, more than 1.826 million hepatitis B tests were conducted in 2025, with 43,161 returning positive results. Of the more than 1.545 million hepatitis C tests carried out during the same period, 16,172 were positive.
The ministry reported that 723,910 hepatitis B tests had been conducted so far in 2026, with 21,342 positive cases detected. It added that 6,539 positive hepatitis C cases had been identified from 692,411 tests, bringing the total number of positive hepatitis B and C cases this year to 27,881.
According to the ministry, 2,355 hepatitis B patients and 1,286 hepatitis C patients received treatment during the first six months of the current year.
Meanwhile, Dr. Faridullah Omari, an infectious diseases specialist at the National Infectious Diseases Hospital, told Pajhwok that hepatitis was a contagious viral disease which, if left undiagnosed and untreated, could lead to cirrhosis, liver failure and even liver cancer.
He identified dizziness, loss of appetite, pain in the right side of the abdomen, mild fever, nausea, dark urine and yellowing of the eyes and skin as the main symptoms of the disease.
Omari said hepatitis B and C were primarily transmitted through blood and other bodily fluids, with shared syringes, barbers’ razors, dental instruments, contaminated personal items and sexual contact among the main routes of transmission.
He emphasised that maintaining good hygiene, using sterile equipment, vaccination and seeking prompt medical care were among the most effective ways to prevent hepatitis infection.
The specialist also said the hospital received an average of 30 to 45 hepatitis patients each day, with some admitted for treatment while others were treated as outpatients.
He added that the number of patients had increased compared to last year, with monthly admissions rising from around 700–800 to nearly 900. According to him, the return of migrants was one of the main reasons for the increase.
Patients’ experiences
Nowroz Ali, a resident of Dasht-i-Barchi in Kabul who is currently receiving treatment at the hospital, said he had visited several medical centres before being admitted and that his condition had now improved.
Gharibullah, a resident of Paktia province, said his father had been living with hepatitis for about 32 years and was currently receiving treatment at the infectious diseases hospital after seeking care at several health facilities.
He urged the Ministry of Public Health to provide greater support in ensuring access to medicines and continued treatment for patients in need.
This year, World Hepatitis Day is being observed under the theme “Hepatitis: Let’s Break It Down.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 287 million people worldwide were living with chronic hepatitis B or C by 2024, and the diseases claimed approximately 1.3 million lives that year.
Despite the availability of vaccines, testing and effective treatment, millions of people around the world still lack access to hepatitis diagnosis and treatment services.
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